Recent Sightings

NameSightingDate
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonAn Osprey flew south down the reservoir just after 09:00, putting all the gulls up out of Brown Ale Bay. Adult Caspian Gull still and 3 Yellow-legs. 750 Canadas and 20 Greylags flew out over the dam wall early morning. Female Red-crested Pochard at Flat Island. 13 Shoveler. 4 Ringed, 5 Little Ringed Plover, 2 Dunlin and a juvenile Peregrine at Sheepwash. 2 Willow Tits on Stones and 1 at Sheepwash. A Reed Warbler singing quietly on Stones and a Yellow Wagtail at Sheepwash.20/08/2025
Simon RoddisEvening visit: drake Common scoter still from Sheepwash hide. Gulls: 1,500 Lesser Black-backs, 8 Yellow-legged (7 adults, 1 juvenile), 6 Common (4 adults, 2 juveniles), 450 Black-headed. 155 Rooks flew to roost.19/08/2025
Richard LoweThis afternoon of note from Sheepwash Hide: Osprey - flew from south to Brown Ale Bay then south again, lost to view. Common Scoter (drake); Wigeon (5); Red-crested Pochard (from Paul Stanley); GBB Gull (Juv); YL Gull (2) Ad+2nd s; Plus Dunlin and Ringed Plover on Sailing Club shore; Common Sandpiper and LRP (2) juvs in Brown Ale Bay.19/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonThe adult Caspian Gull was on Shiningford shore this morning. Totals of 5 Ringed Plover, 4 Snipe and 3 Dunlin. 9 Shoveler and 8 Pochard at Sheepwash. 12+ Little Egrets.19/08/2025
Richard LoweFrom Sheepwash Hide late afternoon: Ringed Plover (11); LR Plover - adult with two chicks plus single Juv; Redshank (2) juvs; YL Gull (3) Ads; Common Gull (1) Ad; very few (< 100) LBB Gulls compared to previous days.18/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonThe adult Caspian Gull was tucking into a well-matured dead fish in Brown Ale Bay this morning - rather him/her than me! 3 Yellow-legged and a rather tatty Common Gull. Waders included Redshank, Snipe, 2 Ringed and 4 Little Ringed Plovers at Sheepwash and Dunlin at sailing club. Juvenile Shelduck and female Red-crested Pochard still. 50 House Martins over the dam wall. Sedge Warbler at Sheepwash and Garden Warbler on Stones causeway. 2 Yellow Wagtails on the dam wall.18/08/2025
Simon RoddisA Golden Plover at sailing club was, I think, the first of the year here. Ruff and Dunlin still there too, 5 Ringed Plovers over Stones, and a Common Sandpiper and Oystercatcher at Hopton end. Juvenile Shelduck still. 126 Teal. 11 Shoveler at Sheepwash and a juvenile Peregrine putting up the gulls there. Juvenile Common Gull past Stones. Lesser Whitethroat singing in WLC creek.17/08/2025
Richard LoweLate afternoon of note: Red Kite, Greenshank (Juv), Black-tailed Godwit (c.4 flew out of Brown Ale Bay northwards), Caspian Gull (regular adult) and c. 4 YLGulls (ads) from Sheepwash; Ruff (Juv) and Dunlin in front of Sailing Club with calling Greenshank over.16/08/2025
Simon RoddisTwo Ospreys from Stones island this morning, one of them carrying a fish before disappearing behind Blackwall Plantation; probably a juvenile and an adult although they weren't together, the adult later reappearing at Sheepwash. At least 2 Hobbies over the north end. 8 Shoveler at Sheepwash. A female Ruff at sailing club (found by Mike Redfern) and Ringed Plover at Sheepwash. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls again. Common Tern past Stones. 52 Cormorants. Redstart in WLC creek and Yellow Wagtail at Sheepwash.16/08/2025
Simon RoddisHighlight this morning was an Osprey which circled its way down the reservoir at around 10:30. 3 Ruffs (2m,1f) flew around for a few minutes but couldn't convince themselves to land and departed SE, while 3 Black-tailed Godwits flew behind Flat Island and may have landed in Brown Ale Bay. Juvenile Shelduck still, 115 Teal and the female Red-crested Pochard now up towards Sheepwash. 2 Snipe and a Common Sandpiper at Millfields. 2 Dunlin. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Peregrine at Millfields and Hobby over Hopton end. Skylark on the dam wall and Yellow Wagtails at Sheepwash and Millfields.15/08/2025
Richard LoweBlack Tern (6) - 2 moulting adults and 4 juvs from Sheepwash/Lane End hides at c.4pm onwards; Sanderling (1) and Ringed Plover (2) on Watersports Is.; a very brief female-type Marsh Harrier from Sheepwash car park; Caspian Gull (the regular adult) in front of Lane End hide plus at least 4 Ad YLGulls at Sheepwash with a summer plumaged Grey Plover. A very productive late afternoon!13/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonA superb summer-plumage Grey Plover was at Sheepwash this morning. 2 Ringed Plovers there and another at sailing club with 3 Dunlin. Common Sandpiper in Brown Ale Bay. Juvenile Mediterranean Gull loafing among BhGs at sailing club, and Green Woodpecker calling from the woods behind. Juvenile Shelduck still. 64 Teal. 8 Shoveler. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls. Yellow Wagtails at Sheepwash and Millfields. Spotted Flycatchers in Hall Wood and at Millfields. 2 Redstarts in WLC fields. 19 Crossbills over Hall Wood and a Siskin over Millfields.13/08/2025
Simon RoddisIn a slightly truncated visit this morning, a Green Woodpecker was calling in the woods below the dam wall; 7 Dunlin, 3 Ringed Plovers and a Curlew were at sailing club; the adult Caspian Gull and Great Egret at Watersports; 20 Pochard at Sheepwash; and 175 Pied and 3 Yellow Wagtails left their roost on Watersports island.11/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Jon BradleyHighlight of this morning's wildfowl count were 2 Black-necked Grebes, probably juveniles, initially off Middle Wood and later at Shiningford, and 3 Turnstones on/around sailing club island (per JB). Numbers were: 463 Canada, 5 Barnacle, 5 Greylag, 23 Mute Swan (plus 4 large cygnets), 82 Gadwall, 468 Mallard, 29 Teal, 13 Pochard, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 194 Tufted, 17 Moorhen, 977 Coot, 26 Little Grebe, 54 GCGrebe, 3 Oystercatcher, 5 Ringed Plover, 4 LRPlover, 1 Black-tailed Godwit (10 later in Brown Ale Bay per CA), 2 Common and 2 Green Sandpipers, 4 Dunlin, 47 Cormorant, 21 Little Egret, 1 Great Egret, 13 Grey Heron. Also a Hobby over Millfield, Yellow Wagtail over the north end, 2+ Crossbills over Hall Wood, Spotted Flycatcher in Hall Wood.10/08/2025
Simon RoddisAn adult Arctic Tern was at sailing club this morning, and a juvenile Mediterranean Gull at Sheepwash/Brown Ale Bay (winner of the best-looking-juvenile-gull award). 3 Dunlin and 4 Ringed Plover at sailing club. 69 Gadwall just from the WLC, plus the female Red-crested Pochard. 19 Little Egrets. Redstart and 2 Garden Warblers on Stones, and another Redstart in WLC fields. 2 Yellow Wagtails over the dam wall and WLC creek. 100 Linnets in WLC creek too.09/08/2025
Simon RoddisLong-stayers this morning included the adult Caspian Gull, juvenile Shelduck, family of 5 Barnacle Geese and the Great Egret. 28 Teal and 9 Pochard are both small increases. 228 Tufted. 2 Ringed and 4 juvenile Little Ringed Plovers, plus a Yellow Wagtail, at Sheepwash. 3 Common Sandpipers between Sheepwash and Lane End, and Alan S had 2 Green Sandpipers in Brown Ale Bay. 4 Spotted Flycatchers at Hopton end/Hall Wood. 2 Garden Warblers and a juvenile Common Whitethroat on Stones, and another Whitethroat at Hopton end. Juvenile Redstart in WLC creek.08/08/2025
Richard LoweAt Sheepwash this afternoon: LRPlover (Ad) with 3 chicks recently hatched; Ringed Plover - 3+; YLGull - 4 Ads; Peregrine - Ad plus juvenile, the latter chasing BHG’s; Little Egret - 6;07/08/2025
Simon RoddisLots of singles this morning: Whimbrel flying SW high over the main centre, Green Sandpiper in Brown Ale Bay, juvenile Little Ringed Plover at Sheepwash, Dunlin off the dam wall, adult Common Tern at sailing club, juvenile Shelduck again on Stones, female Red-crested Pochard at WLC, adult Caspian Gull at Watersports and a probable third-year at Sheepwash, Great Egret, Peregrine, Lesser Whitethroat and Redstart in WLC fields, Common Whitethroat on Stones and Crossbill SW over Millfields. Plus 2 Garden Warblers and 5 Barnacle Geese on Stones, and 2 Herring Gulls at Sheepwash.07/08/2025
Simon RoddisBit of an arrival of coastal birds this morning, with an adult Sandwich Tern around sailing club, then at Millfields late morning, a Turnstone flew off the dam wall, 3 Ringed Plovers (courtesy of RPJ & AMD) at Millfields all morning, and a Dunlin. Long-stayers included the adult Caspian Gull, Great Egret and female Red-crested Pochard. 260 Canada Geese. 12+ Little Egrets. 2 Peregrines, the juvenile took a lump out of a Woodpigeon but flew on without stopping. In WLC fields, 2 Redstarts, 2 Lesser and a Common Whitethroat, and another Common on Stones. 12 Crossbills SW over the visitor centre mid-morning.06/08/2025
Simon RoddisTwo drake Common Scoters this morning, one off Sheepwash, the other between Stones and Millfields. Green Sandpiper at WLC. Juv Shelduck, female Red-crested Pochard, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls and Great Egret still present. 16 Little Egrets. 150 Canadas. 468 Mallard. 220 Tufted. 52 Cormorants. 22 Little Grebe. 8+ Spotted Flycatchers in 3 presumed family parties in Hall Wood (seems like they've had a good year), and 20 Crossbills over. 2 Redstarts at WLC/fields.05/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonA drake Common Scoter was between Stones and Millfields this morning and the adult Caspian Gull again at Watersports. Juvenile Shelduck, female Red-crested Pochard and Great Egret still. A Green Sandpiper flew past Sheepwash hide and a Yellow Wagtail over Stones causeway. A trickle of Sand Martins flying into the breeze, 32 in 2 hours.04/08/2025
Gary AtkinsSpecies noted during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon; Stones Island to Wildlife Centre. The grand total of 41 was surprisingly the highest of the year so far: House Sparrow; Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Carrion Crow, Swallow, Woodpigeon, Red Kite, Buzzard, LIttle Egret, Moorhen, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Sand Martin, Pied Wagtail, Blackbird, Grey Heron, Great Crested Grebe, Little Grebe, Cormorant, Barnacle Goose, Greylag Goose, Goldfinch (a flock of 80+), Bullfinch, Shelduck, Magpie, Blackcap, Tufted Duck, Sedge Warbler, Wren, Swift, House Martin, Mallard, Great Tit, Blue Tit, Red-crested Pochard, Dunnock, Chaffinch, Redstart, Coot, Gadwall, Oystercatcher03/08/2025
Simon RoddisJuvenile Shelduck (still?) at Lane End/Stones island. 16 Teal. Female Red-crested Pochard still from WLC. Common Sandpiper at Lane End and Common Tern off Stones. Probable third-summer Caspian Gull on Sheepwash spit. 49 Cormorants. The Great Egret still and at least 17 Little, including the colour-ringed bird LV at Sheepwash. Kingfisher at Millfields. 40 Swallows at the draw-off tower early morning. Garden Warbler on Stones. In WLC creek, female Redstart, Lesser Whitethroat and juvenile Common Whitethroat (both 'throats' in the same scope view). Family party of at least 5 Spotted Flycatchers in Sheepwash carpark and 200+ Linnets in the meadows.03/08/2025
Simon Roddis, Clive AshtonFamily of 5 Barnacle Geese still. Juvenile Shelduck on Stones. 1 Dunlin at Sheepwash. Adult Caspian Gull still from Stones and an adult Common Tern. 38 Cormorant. One Great and a mere 27 Little Egrets. Hobby eating prey on the wing over the east side and 2 juvenile Kestrels in WLC fields. 3 Willow Tits (Brown Ale Bay, Stones and Millfields). 5 Redstarts and a Common Whitethroat in WLC fields. 12 Crossbills SW over Sheepwash.02/08/2025
Dave ArmittLittle Egret 16, Grey Heron 5 , Pochard 4, Pied Wagtail 10, Cormorant 30, Yellow leg Gull sheep wash , Sand martin 2, Buzzard 1,Little Grebe 2, Great White Egret 1,Common Scoter, Barnacle goose 4, two flocks of Gold Finch 20+, Blackcap 2,Redstart 1,Swift 1,Swallow 1, RC Pochard 1, Oystercatcher 2,Gadwall 20 , Chiffchaff 101/08/2025
SJR, AHS, MJRAnother day, another record count of Little Egrets: 30 this morning, including 13 roosting at Shiningford. The Great Egret on Stones too, and a drake Common Scoter offshore. Female Red-crested Pochard from the WLC. A Black-tailed Godwit, a Redshank (heard earlier over Millfields) and 2 Dunlin were at Sheepwash late morning. Adult Caspian Gull at Watersports. Juvenile Peregrine upsetting the gulls at Millfields. Around Stones and the WLC, 4+ Redstarts, 2 Willow Warblers, Garden Warbler, Lesser Whitethroat, several Sedge and lots of Blackcaps.01/08/2025
David GriffinYellow Wagtail in rocks half way between sailing club and dam walk, flew towards dam wall.31/07/2025
Simon RoddisA female-type Goldeneye was off Flat Island this morning, presumably the same bird as last week. Female Red-crested Pochard still. 84 Gadwall. One Great and at least 22 Little Egrets. 3 Common Sandpipers at Lane End and a Dunlin past Millfields. Immature Common Gull over Stones and 7 Yellow-legs on Sheepwash spit. Peregrine from Stones and 2 Buzzards, an adult and a noisy juvenile, over Hall Wood. On Stones, 2 Willow Tits, a juvenile Whitethroat and a Willow Warbler. 3 Spotted Flycatchers between Hall and Middle Woods.31/07/2025
Simon RoddisAn adult Knot in slightly fading summer plumage was on the Brown Ale Bay side of Sheepwash spit early morning, along with 4 Dunlin. Four drake Common Scoters were off Stones island mid-morning. 5 Barnacle Geese still. 484 Mallard (site record) and c900 Coot. Adult Caspian Gull, 3 adult Yellow-legged Gulls and a pair of Common Terns. One Great and 13 Little Egrets. 1+ Peregrine. 20 Sand Martins came out of Hopton reedbed early morning, closely followed by 20 Swallows. Garden Warbler with food at Hopton end, presumably for a second brood. Family party of c5 adult and fledged juvenile Spotted Flycatchers in the bottom of Hall Wood. 1 Redstart in WLC fields.30/07/2025
Simon Roddis6 Dunlin were on Sheepwash spit early morning, a Ringed Plover over Stones later and a Common Sandpiper at Millfields. 3 Common Terns. Adult Caspian Gull again at Watersports. One Great and 15 Little Egrets. Willow Tits on Stones and in WLC creek. Redstart in WLC fields.29/07/2025
Simon RoddisSmall stuff caught the eye this morning: Spotted Flycatcher and juvenile Whitethroat in Tail Bay, make Redstart and Lesser Whitethroat in 'warbler corner' on Stones; 3 more Redstarts in WLC fields, Willow Tits in Tail Bay and on Stones, and a Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall. Plus Peregrine, Dunlin, 10 Swifts moving through, Red-crested Pochard, Great Egret, and 4 Yellow-legged Gulls among 335 Lesser Black-backs on Sheepwash spit.28/07/2025
SJR, CA, RPJ, AMDWildfowl this morning included 5 female/juv Shoveler off the dam wall, 1 juvenile Shelduck, female R-cPochard still and 2 Common Pochard. A Dunlin landed on Watersports island. Adult Caspian Gull at Watersports and 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 36 Cormorant. One Great and 21 Little Egrets. Hobby over the dam wall and it or another later over the north end, and juvenile Peregrine over the main centre. Skylark and 5 Yellow Wagtails on/over the dam wall. Female Redstart in WLC fields and another reported at WLC.27/07/2025
Simon RoddisA pair of Common Scoter were out in the middle this morning, the first for a while. Female Red-crested Pochard, adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls and Great Egret still. 2 Dunlin flying around Stones island and a Common Sandpiper on Horseshoe. Yellow Wagtail and Skylark on/over the dam wall. 2 Redstarts and a Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields.26/07/2025
Simon RoddisNo sign of yesterday's Goldeneye from WLC but the female Red-crested Pochard was there, and 2 Peregrines (adult and juv?) overhead. Adult Caspian and Yellow-legged Gulls still. 5 female/juv Redstarts in WLC fields/Shiningford creek, and a Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields. Spotted Flycatcher in Millfields viewing area and a Crossbill over.25/07/2025
Simon RoddisA female-type Goldeneye from WLC is my first here in July (and I think a site first too). Adult Caspian Gull still but mobile, last seen on Sheepwash spit with 2 adult Yellow-legs. 600+ Coot. 15 Little and 64 GCGrebes. One Great and 12+ Little Egrets. 1 Redshank at sailing club. 39 Cormorants. Peregrine on the usual pylon. 2 Redstarts in WLC fields. 1 Crossbill over Hall Wood.24/07/2025
Simon Roddis, Alan StewardsonBarnacle Goose family still present, the 3 young now able to fly. 2 full-grown juvenile Mandarins at Millfields. 24 Teal. Female Red-crested Pochard still off Horseshoe island. 52 GCGrebe. 2 Common Sandpipers at Sheepwash. Pair of Common Terns again at sailing club. Adult Caspian Gull again at Watersports. 3 Yellow-legged Gulls including 2 juveniles at Sheepwash. At least 4 juvenile Lesser Black-backs, first I've seen this year. 1 Great and 16 Little Egrets. Kingfisher in Tail Bay. Fledged Reed Warblers in Brown Ale Bay. Female Redstart in WLC fields and juvenile Bullfinch at Shiningford.23/07/2025
Simon Roddis1 Great and 13 Little Egrets this morning. 59 Gadwall. 10 Common and one female Red-crested Pochard still. Adult Caspian, Yellow-legged and Herring Gulls, plus 4 Common. 4 GSWoodpeckers. 2, maybe 3 Peregrines. Lesser Whitethroat near WLC and 2 female-type Redstarts in the fields. 130 Linnets south of Sheepwash and 30 on Stones. 4 Crossbill SW.22/07/2025
SJR, AHS, CAJust a few bits and pieces this morning: juvenile Peregrine around Stones island, 2 Great and at least 8 Little Egrets, 2+ Garden Warblers and a Lesser Whitethroat on Stones, Yellow Wagtail over, female-type Redstart in WLC creek and a Crossbill SW.21/07/2025
Simon Roddis7 Crossbills flew SW over the main carpark at 07:25. Dunlin on Watersports island, and presumably the same bird at Sheepwash later. Adult Caspian Gull still off Watersports. 19 Pochard at Sheepwash. Female Red-crested Pochard still from the WLC. Pair of Common Terns again. Siskin over the main centre.20/07/2025
Richard LoweMid-afternoon from Sheepwash Hide: Osprey flew up the res. and departed North at just gone 3pm; Goldeneye (1); Pochard/Ferruginous Duck type Hybrid; GWEgret (2); LRP (4); Common Sandpiper (3); YLGull (2) - Ad and 2nd s; Common Tern (2).19/07/2025
Simon Roddis2 Black-tailed Godwits flew SW early morning, and a Snipe over the dam wall was my first for a while. 10 Common Sandpipers (9 at Sheepwash, 1 on Horseshoe island). 14 Oystercatchers, plus 2 chicks. Adult Caspian and 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls off Stones. Pair of Common Terns. At least 2 Great Egrets. 36 Gadwall, 20 Teal and 12 Pochard at Sheepwash. Female Shoveler off Horseshoe. Female Red-crested Pochard still from the WLC. 23 Mute Swans, plus 4 cygnets still. 3 Yellow and 7 Grey Wagtails. Redstart on sailing club island.19/07/2025
Simon Roddis, Jon BradleyMonthly wildfowl count: 1,154 Canada, 5 Barnacle (3 young now almost fully grown), 154 Greylag, 20 Mute Swan (plus 4 cygnets), 24 Gadwall, 1 Wigeon, 305 Mallard, 22 Teal, 1 Red-crested Pochard, 11 Common Pochard, 231 Tufted, 15 Moorhen, 495 Coot, 22 Little Grebe, 47 GCGrebe, 6 Oystercatcher (plus 2 chicks), 10 Little Ringed Plover (8 at Sheepwash), 7 Common Sandpiper, 18 Cormorant, 14 Little Egret, 12 Grey Heron. Also the adult Caspian Gull again, 3 Yellow Wagtails, pair of Peregrine.13/07/2025
Andrew CarmichaelJuvenile Little Ringed Plover from Sheepwash hide10/07/2025
Simon RoddisAn adult Caspian Gull (very likely the one that has visited in previous years) was at Watersports this morning. A Greenshank on sailing club island and 2 Yellow Wagtails (plus 6 Grey and 50 Pied) on the dam wall/Millfields. Female Red-crested Pochard, Yellow-legged Gull and Great Egret still. 2 Common Sandpiper at sailing club. 3 Peregrines over the north end, and possibly a fourth over Millfields. Female Redstart in WLC fields. Single Crossbill over Millfields.12/07/2025
Simon Roddis2 fully grown juvenile Goosander off the dam wall early morning, my first here since 21 April. 10 Pochard. 4 Common Sandpiper. 2 Great and 10 Little Egrets. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls again. Juvenile male Redstart in WLC fields (little bit of orange-red on side of breast). At least 2 Crossbills calling over Middle Wood.11/07/2025
Simon RoddisA male Common Whitethroat was in WLC fields this morning (plus female Redstart) and a Yellow Wagtail flew S over Stones and appeared to land in the dam wall. Female Red-crested Pochard, adult Yellow-legged Gull and Great Egret still. 12 Little Egrets. Skylark singing on the dam wall. Clive had a Black-tailed Godwit at Ps hide. 16 species of butterfly must be easily my highest ever total here.10/07/2025
Simon RoddisA Green Sandpiper was on the dam wall early morning, and a Curlew at sailing club. Also at least 1 Yellow Wagtail and a Skylark along the dam wall. Another Skylark and 8 Crossbills later over WLC creek. Female Red-crested Pochard, Wigeon and Great Egret still. At least 8 Little Egrets. 10 Lapwing from WLC and 3 Redshank off Stones island. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. 2 Redstarts and 35 Goldfinches in WLC fields.09/07/2025
Simon RoddisNo repeat of yesterday's wader passage - too 'nice' a day for it - but other bits and pieces included at least 12 Crossbills N through WLC creek, 3 Redstarts and a Lesser Whitethroat in WLC fields, Great Egret and Yellow-legged Gull still, 12 Teal and 13 Pochard in Brown Ale Bay.08/07/2025
Simon RoddisA total of 37 Black-tailed Godwits this morning, including a flock of 31 which circled Stones before departing S. 13 Redshank and a Dunlin also indicative of wader movement. Moulting drake Wigeon (which Clive saw yesterday) still at Sheepwash. 1, possibly 2, adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Great Egret still, and 10 Little Egrets. At least 1 Yellow Wagtail on the dam wall.07/07/2025
Gary AtkinsSpecies noted during the monthly Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-noon, areas from Stones Island to the Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Mallard, Chiffchaff, Swift, Swallow, Blue Tit, Canada Goose, Mute Swan, Goldfinch, Little Egret, Carrion Crow, Woodpigeon, Cormorant, Dunnock, Moorhen, Coot, Black-headed Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Blackbird, Gt Crested Grebe, Grey Heron, Oystercatcher, Song Thrush, Pied Wagtail, Magpie, Wren, Common Tern, Yellow-legged Gull, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Little Grebe, Barnacle Goose, Pochard, Tufted Duck, Greylag Goose, Buzzard, Peregrine, Great Tit06/07/2025


Historic Sightings

DateSightingName
01/02/2022The GNDiver was again off Stones island this morning but could only find one of the Red-necked Grebes, north of Lane End. Female Pintail again from WLC. 2,000+ Common Gulls left their roost and departed W early morning. 8 Herring Gulls flew in late morning. 3 Red Kites and a Peregrine over the east side.Simon Roddis
31/01/2022The GNDiver and the 2 RnGrebes again in their usual haunts this morning. 1 Shelduck and female Pintail from WLC. 1 Red Kite. Kingfisher from Paul Stanley hide. 8 Ravens in the air over Hall Wood early morning. 10 Tree Sparrows (6 at WLC, 4 Millfields).Simon Roddis
30/01/2022The GNDiver and RnGrebes again in their favoured spots this morning. 46 Barnacle Geese. Female Pintail from WLC. 1 Red Kite. 3 Oystercatcher. 35 Snipe on Horsehoe island/from WLC. 5 Herring Gulls. 195 Rooks over Shiningford early morning.Simon Roddis
29/01/2022The 2 Red-necked Grebes still off Lane End and the GNDiver was off Millfields late morning. 4 Red Kites over Carsington pastures (and perhaps a couple more reported over the east side). 3 Shelduck at Millfields. Male Shoveler at Sheepwash and female Pintail again at WLC. 4 Oystercatchers, including a metal-ringed bird at Millfields. 13 Herring Gulls (third day in succession there have been HGs, clearly a bit of movement going on). c100 Starlings and 50 Fieldfare on the pastures.Simon Roddis
28/01/2022Much the same again today: GNDiver off Stones much of the morning and the 2 RnGrebes off Lane End. 43 Barnacle Geese. Single Woodcock and Brambling at Millfields first thing. 2 Red Kites over the east side. c100 Siskin at WLC.Simon Roddis
27/01/2022The GNDiver again off Stones this morning and the 2 Red-necked Grebes off Lane End. 45 Barnacle Geese. Female Pintail from WLC. 3 Herring Gulls N. 2 GBbGull (adult and 1w). Flock of 32 Stock Doves behind the villages, perhaps flushed by a raptor (maybe even the Peregrine which upset all the Lapwings!). 1 Red Kite. 30 Cormorant. Total of c100 Redwing, including 50 in WLC fields, along with c100 Starlings.Simon Roddis
25/01/2022Another dull morning weather-wise but the GNDiver was again off Stones island and the 2 Red-necked Grebes off Lane End. 45 Barnacle Geese. Female Pintail from WLC. 35 Snipe (28 from WLC, 7 in Brown Ale Bay). 1 Oystercatcher. Willow Tit singing at Hopton. Total of c200 Siskin, including a flock of 150+ over WLC creek.Simon Roddis
24/01/2022Picked up the GNDiver and the 2 Red-necked Grebes off Lane End despite increasingly murky conditions this morning. 6 Goosander at Millfields early on. Total of 42+ Common Snipe. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gulls. Kingfisher at PS hide.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
23/01/2022Monthly WeBS count: 262 Canada, 13 Greylag, 12 Mute Swan, 157 Gadwall, 184 Wigeon, 177 Mallard, 1f Pintail, 554 Teal, 11 Pochard, 201 Tufted, 13 Goldeneye, 2 Water Rail (Hopton reedbed and Brown Ale Bay), 23 Moorhen, 904 Coot, 42 Little Grebe, 2 Red-necked Grebe, 108 GCGrebe, 1 GNDiver, 2 Oystercatcher, 1034 Lapwing, 2 Woodcock, 14 Snipe, 2 Redshank, 23 Cormorant, 1 Heron, 1 Kingfisher.Simon Roddis, Jon Bradley
22/01/202218 adult Whoopers this morning, off Millfields. 2 Red-necked Grebes off Lane End (couldn't see one at Millfields) and the GNDiver out in the middle. 2 Oystercatchers (unringed) from WLC. c800 Lapwing. 3 Curlew. 2 Redshank. 14 Common Snipe. 1 Woodcock between WLC and Shiningford. c1300 Common Gulls flew out early morning. 11 Tree Sparrow (6 at Millfields, 5 WLC).Simon Roddis
21/01/2022The GNDiver and both RnGrebes were still in their usual areas this morning. 49 Barnacle Geese. 3m Goosander, including 1 on the water off Sheepwash carpark, unusual at that end of the res. 1 Oystercatcher still. 3 Curlew on Stones island. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Single Kingfisher and Water Rail in the narrow end of Brown Ale Bay. 12 Lesser Redpoll over WLC creek, and a total of c50 Siskin.Simon Roddis
20/01/2022The GNDiver was out in the middle of the res late morning, and a Red-necked Grebe off Millfields island. Failed to find the Lane End bird this morning. 17 Little Grebes from the WLC. c800 Lapwing, a definite increase. 9 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 1 Oystercatcher still. Raptors were enjoying the breeze, with a Red Kite, 7 Buzzards, 3 Sparrowhawks and single Peregrine and Kestrel. 80 Redwings came out of a roost near Sheepwash first thing, and c20 Blackbirds around the carpark.Simon Roddis
19/01/20223 Whooper Swans (2 ads,1 juv) off Stones causeway were new in this morning, while the GNDiver was off Millfields and the 2 Red-necked Grebes still at Millfields and Lane End. 44 Barnacle Geese. 1 Woodcock at Hall Wood first thing. 50 Siskin at Middle Wood.Simon Roddis
18/01/2022The GNDiver and both Red-necked Grebes again in their regular spots this morning. Increased geese numbers: c500 Canada and 350 Greylags (most of the Greylags flew in after midday), with c40 Barnacles and hybrids feeding in WLC fields. 70 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at 09:15. c600 Lapwing. 1 Woodcock at Hopton end at first light. 1 Little Egret and 3 Grey Herons.Simon Roddis
17/01/2022Single Red-necked Grebe at Millfields early morning and the GNDiver off Stones. c350 Canada Geese. 49 Barnacles plus 3 Nene hybrids. 19 Greylag. 3 Pintail from WLC. 1 Oystercatcher still. 2 Red Kites.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
16/01/2022This morning: Great Northern Diver still off Stones Island, Water Rail calling from Hopton reedbed, Red-necked Grebe near draw-off tower Millfields, 8 Goosander at Millfields early morning only, 4 Pintail still at WLC and 5 Snipe there, Oystercatcher still at Watersports and at least 1 Redshank mobile.Roger Carrington
15/01/2022No sign of the swans (except Mutes) this morning but the 2 Red-necked Grebes and the GNDiver were still present. 3 Curlew past Stones island and the Oystercatcher still. 4 Pintail and 1m Shoveler from WLC. 6 Goosander (3m,3f) at Millfields.Simon Roddis
14/01/2022A beautiful herd of 13 Bewick's Swans was off Sheepwash all afternoon, along with 8 Whoopers. The first Bewick's since 2013, and my first ever here. Red-necked Grebes again at Millfields and Lane End, and the GNDiver off Stones island. 44 Barnacle Geese with 3 Nene hybrids in WLC fields. A GSWoodpecker drumming at Lane End. 7 Tree Sparrows at WLC. In the gull roost, c10,000 Black-heads, 1,000 Common, 200 Lesser Black-backs, 1 adult Yellow-legged. At Hopton end at dusk, 2 Woodcock, Water Rail and Tawny Owl. A great afternoon!Simon Roddis
13/01/2022Both Red-necked Grebes and the Great Northern Diver were on their usual beats this morning, and the Oystercatcher was on Horseshoe island. 40 Barnacle Geese and the 2 hybrids again. 1m Shoveler at WLC. c650 Lapwing. 1 Little Egret. 3 Sparrowhawks. 5 Raven over Millfields. 6 Tree Sparrow.Simon Roddis
12/01/2022Both Red-necked Grebes again this morning but separately, at Millfields and off Lane End, and the GNDiver off Stones island. In other wildfowl news: 177 Canadas, at least 38 Barnacles (plus 2 Nene hybrids), 3 Greylag, 16 Mute Swan, 159 Gadwall, 227 Wigeon, 186 Mallard, 4 Pintail, 406 Teal, 11 Pochard, 213 Tufted, 9 Goldeneye, 18 Moorhen, 1182 Coot, 32 LGrebe, 79 GCGrebe, 1 Oystercatcher (very early return date but not the earliest ever), c500 Lapwing, the Black-tailed Godwit still, 2 Redshank, 20 Cormorant, 2 Grey Heron. 1 Red Kite perched near Sheepwash and c60 Siskin at Middle Wood, plus a mixed Siskin/Lesser Redpoll flock in alders near the WLC.Simon Roddis
11/01/20222 Red-necked Grebes together by Millfields draw-off tower early morning. I couldn't find the Lane End bird so I assume that the 2 have found each other (again?). The adult GNDiver was off Stones island and the Black-tailed Godwit still on Stones causeway. 4 Pintail (2m,2f) again from WLC. 183 Canada. 9 Barnacle. 3 Goosander. A Water Rail showed well in WLC creek mid-morning and a young Peregrine put everything up off Horseshoe island. 1 Kingfisher in Brown Ale Bay. Total of 170 Redwing. 10 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
10/01/2022The Great Northern Diver, 2 Red-necked Grebes and Black-tailed Godwit still all present this morning. A Great Egret was on Shiningford island late morning (credit to Alison and Roger). 4 Pintail still. c400 Lapwing. 2 Kingfishers (Penn Carr and Brown Ale Bay). 6 Willow Tits. Out of the corvid roost early morning, c1000 Jackdaws, 200 Rooks and 100 Carrion Crows over the visitor centre.Simon Roddis
09/01/20221 Red Necked Grebe, 1 Great Northern Diver, 3 Redshank, 5 Pied Wagtail, 75 Lapwing, 60 Teal, 10 Pochard, 1 Redwing, 8 Little Grebe, 26 Great Crested Grebe, 1 Meadow Pipit, Pintail 2M 1F, 13 Greylag, 10 Gadwall, 1 Raven, 1 Black-tailed GodwitDavid Armitt
09/01/2022The Great Northern Diver and 2 Red-necked Grebes (Millfields and Lane End) still this morning. 1+ Woodcock, 3 Tawny Owls, 2 Little Egrets and 1 Water Rail at Hopton end early morning. 4 Pintail (2m,2f) from WLC. The Black-tailed Godwit again around Stones island and then WLC. 2 Redshank. 1 Red Kite. 4 Raven.Simon Roddis
07/01/2022The adult GNDiver was again off Millfields early afternoon, and 2 Red-necked Grebes again, one at Millfields and one off Lane End. An adult Kittiwake, presumably yesterday's bird, was on sailing club shore early afternoon and the second-winter Caspian Gull was on Horsehoe island (from WLC) mid-afternoon. Pair of Pintail from WLC. 2 Peregrines (male and female) over Blackwall plantation. 24 Snipe over Stones island.Simon Roddis
05/01/20224 Tree sparrows on nut feeder at Millfields Car park. Grey wagtail near Dam wall.Matthew Birkin
06/01/2022An adult Great Northern Diver, quite possibly the returning bird of previous winters, was initially off Stones island then resting out in the middle of the res. We'd almost given up hope! Couldn't find any Red-necked Grebes. An adult Kittiwake sat on buoy number 7 for a while, and yesterday's second-winter Caspian Gull and Black-tailed Godwit were still around. 3 Pintail from WLC. 1 Little Egret still, quite surprising given how cold it is. 13 Fieldfare flew S. c20 Lesser Redpoll on Stones and a mixed flock of c50 Goldfinch, Siskin and Redpoll at the WLC.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
05/01/2022Ad hoc wildfowl count: 2 Red-necked Grebes (Millfields and Lane End), 85 GCGrebe, 37 Little Grebe, 16 Mute Swan, 223 Canada, 6 Barnacle, 62 Greylag, 137 Gadwall, 205 Wigeon, 135 Mallard, 4 Pintail (2m,2f), 348 Teal, 14 Pochard, 184 Tufted, 10 Goldeneye, 14 Moorhen, 1195 Coot, c400 Lapwing, 1 Redshank, 1 Black-tailed Godwit at WLC, 2nd-winter Caspian Gull on Horseshoe island around midday, 24 Cormorant, 1 Grey Heron.Simon Roddis
04/01/2022The Red-necked Grebe again off Millfields this morning. 140 Pink-footed Geese flew SW at 09:40. 8 Barnacle Geese. 2 Woodcock at Sheepwash early morning. 1 Little Egret still. 2 Red Kites. c50 Fieldfare above Hopton village. 30 Siskin.Simon Roddis
03/01/2022The Red-necked Grebe was at the Millfields end of the dam wall early morning. 180 Canada Geese. 7 Barnacles. 1 Woodcock at Penn Carr. 250 Common Gulls from PS hide late morning. Little Egret from WLC again. 3 Red Kites. 1 Skylark S over Stones. 200 Redwing. 10 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis
02/01/2022Species seen during first Birdwatching for Beginners walk of the year (10am-noon; Stones Island - Wildlife Centre): House Sparrow, Pied wagtail, Canada Goose, Mallard, Coot, Gt Crested Grebe, Robin, Lapwing (around 350), Raven, Tufted Duck, Black-headed Gull, Red Kite, Gt Black-backed Gull, Cormorant, Mute Swan, Gadwall, Carrion Crow, Wigeon, Pochard, Teal, Common Gull, Blue Tit, Meadow Pipit, Blackbird, Little Grebe, Moorhen, Barnacle Goose, Redshank (2), Collared Dove, Magpie, Jackdaw, Woodpigeon, Willow Tit, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Yellow-legged Gull, Snipe (at least 5), Wren, Tree Sparrow, Pintail (m), Dunnock In addition, earlier when alone, I also saw Nuthatch, Siskin, Goldfinch, Redwing, Bullfinch, Long-tailed Tit and a Mistle Thrush that decided it was spring, singing its heart out!Gary Atkins
02/01/2022Lapwing 300+ Wigeon 128, 83 Teal, Monte Swan 16, Grey Heron 1,Pochard 15, Cormorant 6, Goldeneye 3, Greylag 7, Gadwall 7, Lesser Redpoll 6,Goldfinch 15, Redwing 10, Bullfinch 4, Pintail 1, long tailed tit 6, Meadow Pipit 1, Raven 2David Armitt
01/01/2022Happy New Year! The Red-necked Grebe was again off Millfields this morning. 3 Pintail (2m,1f) from WLC. 5 Goosander (2m,3f) at Millfields early on. 2 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. 1 Redshank. Adult Yellow-legged Gull at Sheepwash. 1 Little Egret. 4 Red Kites over Fishtail creek. Kingfisher at Millfields. 4 Raven. 1 Skylark over. 1 Brambling on Stones island. Total of c80 Siskin. A Yellowhammer over WLC creek - we had to wait until December for one last year!Simon Roddis
31/12/20213 Goldeneye (1m,2f) between draw-off tower and MillfieldsGary Atkins
31/12/2021Red-necked Grebe again at Millfields, and lots of people coming to see it! 1 Shelduck at Sheepwash. Pair of Pintail in Shiningford creek. 22 Snipe flying around Stones island, presumably flushed from Horseshoe island. 1 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. 1 + Redshank. 3 adult Yellow-legged and 8 Herring Gulls on Sheepwash spit early pm. 32 Cormorant. 1 Little Egret. 20 Lesser Redpoll on Stones and c60 Siskin near the WLC.Simon Roddis
30/12/2021The Red-necked Grebe was on its usual beat off Millfields this morning. 7 Shoveler (6m,1f) were new in. Pair of Pintail at WLC. 9 Goldeneye. 65 Greylags. c600 Lapwing. 5 Snipe. 2 adult GBbG, including Onefoot. 14 Lesser Redpoll on Stones.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
29/12/2021The Red-necked Grebe was again near the draw-off tower at Millfields, then off the dam wall closer to sailing club late morning. 195 Canadas. 9 Greylag. 17 Mute Swan. Drake Pintail at WLC. c750 Lapwing. 5 Snipe on Horseshoe island. 2 adult Yellow-legged Gull. Best day for raptors for ages, though only average really: 6 Buzzard, 3 Sparrowhawk, single Kestrel and Peregrine - they must have struggled during the past several days of rain, fog and no wind. Female Brambling at Millfields.Simon Roddis
28/12/2021One Red-necked Grebe was just north of Millfields this morning. c600 Lapwing. 3+ Redshank. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. 31 Cormorant. 2 Skylarks over.Simon Roddis
27/12/2021RedNecked Grebe 1 Goldeneye (M) 1 Both from Millfields CP 1230-1300 Note - 8 Whopper Swans seen in field off B5030 (from A50 but before Crakemarsh) might be the same birds recently seen at Carsington Michael
26/12/2021Couldn't find any different grebes or swans in the murk this morning. 11 Shoveler (5m,6f). 3 Pintail (1m,2f). 2 Kingfishers chasing at Hopton end, and a female Brambling also there. 13 Lesser redpolls on Stones island.Simon Roddis
24/12/2021One Red-necked Grebe was in Sailing Club bay and off Stones island this morning, presumably one of the 2 here a couple of days ago but who knows? Similarly, 8 Whooper Swans (6 ads, 2 juvs) were probably part of the 13 earlier in the week. 1 Little Egret at WLC. 4 Shoveler (2m,2f). 1 Woodcock at Hopton end first thing. Kingfisher in Sailing Club bay.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
22/12/2021Highlight of a belated wildfowl count were 2 Red-necked Grebes off Stones island, still present late pm up towards Sheepwash (looking from Stones). 13 Whooper Swans (10 ads, 3 juvs) dropped in about 12:15, also still present late pm. 274 Canadas, 18 Barnacle, 3 Greylag, 3 Pink-feet, 20 Mute Swans, 2 Shoveler, 145 Gadwall, 270 Wigeon, 244 Mallard, 3 Pintail, 432 Teal, 30 Pochard, 205 Tufted, 11 Goldeneye, 23 Moorhen, 1,268 Coot, 39 Little Grebe, 74 GCGrebe, 550 Lapwing, 2 Redshank, 2 Snipe, 3 Woodcock, 19 Cormorant, 2 Heron. In the gull roost late afternoon, c10,000 Black-headed, 1,500 Common, 500 Lesser Black-back, 4 Herring, 2 adult Yellow-leg and 1 adult Caspian. 200 Starlings over, presumably heading to roost.Simon Roddis
21/12/21A pair of Shelduck between Stones island and Millfields this morning. Female Pintail at WLC. c200 Canada, 3 Greylag, 8 Barnacle and 1 Pink-foot in the fields, plus 45 Pink-feet SW at 10:40. 400 Lapwing. The Ruff and Redshank still. c40 Siskins near the WLC.Simon Roddis
11/12/2021A Jack Snipe showed briefly on Horseshoe island mid-morning. 1 Ruff and 2 Redshank still. 1 Dunlin past Stones island. 320 Lapwing. 208 Canadas. 3 Greylag. 27 Mute Swan. 91 Gadwall. 158 Wigeon. 274 Mallard. 475 Teal. 3 Pintail. 46 Pochard. 9 Goldeneye (5m,4f). 18 Moorhen. 22 LGrebe. 70 GCGrebe. Total of 75 Siskin.Simon Roddis
09/12/2021A redhead Smew was off Watersports island from 08:20. Flighty, didn't seem particularly settled, last seen around 09:00. The first since Feb 2011. A Yellowhammer over Stones later was also the first of the year (as far as I know anyway). 300 Canada Geese. 32 Greylags (highest since early October). 2 Little Egrets. 1 Ruff and 2 Redshank still. Adult Yellow-legged Gull. Kingfisher at Millfields. 16 Magpies, including 13 at the Millfields feeders.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
07/12/2021An adult Kittiwake flew up the res around 09:00, perhaps ahead of the impending storm. 2 Barnacle Geese. 27 Mute Swans. 3 Pintail still. 120 Lapwing. Single Ruff and Redshank still. 3 Woodcock into Hopton end first thing. 4 Snipe. c900 Common Gulls early morning - unusual for such high numbers to be around in the morning, they usually seem to leave even earlier than the Lesser Black-backs. 1 Little Egret still. 1 Red Kite. 2 Skylarks flew S. 15 Lesser Redpoll on Stones island.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
05/12/21Species seen during the Birdwatching for Beginners walk (10am-11.45am), though a couple may have only been seen by me ahead of the main walk: Blackbird, Gadwall, Lapwing, Grey Heron, Moorhen, Mallard, Coot, Teal, Little Grebe, Willow Tit, Tree Sparrow, Robin, Gt Crested Grebe, Black-headed Gull, Siskin, Reed Bunting, Goldfinch, Carrion Crow, Jackdaw, Tufted Duck, Buzzard, Dunnock, Mute Swan, Wren, Wigeon, Cormorant, Great Tit, Pied Wagtail, Redpoll, Pink-footed Goose, Canada Goose, Pochard, House Sparrow, Ruff, Long-tailed Tit, Fieldfare, Bullfinch, Redwing, Redshank, Little Egret, Raven, WoodpigeonGary Atkins
04/12/20213 Pintail (2m,1f) again. 185 Lapwing, an increase on the last couple of days. 1, maybe 2 male Ruff at WLC. 10 Stock Dove, including 8 S. 2 Little Egret. 1,400 Jackdaws out of their roost early morning. 7 Ravens over Hall Wood. 8 Lesser Redpoll on Stones island.Simon Roddis, Alan Stewardson
03/12/2021Afternoon visit: a Water Rail showed very well in Brown Ale Brook (the stream below the path to Paul Stanley hide). The gull roost seemed much smaller than below the cold weather: c5,000 BhGulls, 1,000 Common, 1,000 Lesser Black-back, 3 Herring. Corvids from the main centre late pm: c1,400 Jackdaws, 80 Carrion, 105 Rooks. 1 Little Egret. 2 Redshank.Simon Roddis
02/12/2021Partial wildfowl count to see if the weekend's cold weather brought any in: 283 Canadas, 20 Mute Swan, 2 adult Whoopers off Stones, 132 Gadwall, 219 Wigeon, 238 Mallard, 3 Pintail (2m,1f), 474 Teal, 41 Pochard, 175 Tufted, 12 Goldeneye (5m,7f), 1 redhead Goosander, 23 Moorhen, 33 LGrebe, 56 GCGrebe, 65 Lapwing, 1 Ruff, probably 4 Redshank, 3 Woodcock, 1 Little Egret. 4 Sparrowhawks, including a displaying pair. 30 Blackbirds.Simon Roddis

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